Reticence Saga
Severed Web
Chapter 8: Return to the Savage Land, Part 3
"Hey there, true believers. Spider-Man here in the Savage Land. Last you might remember, I was following a flock of pterosaurs with Chris. Flock, is that the proper word? Is it more like swarm or pack or something? Anyways, turns out those pterosaurs are more than they seemed from a distance."
"Stop narrating," hissed Chris.
"Right, stealth mode," whispered Spider-Man.
The two peered out to see their quarry had landed in a clearing, several setting up a campfire.
From a distance, it had been easy to mistake them for pterosaurs. But with a closer look, they were obviously humanoid. "Huh, I didn't know Sauron had family," said Spider-Man.
Chris peered back before mouthing something. "Ok...they're still there..." he muttered, the pterodactyl people settling around the fore, singing some sort of song.
"Kinda feels like I'm watching an anthropology documentary," said Spider-Man.
"Yeah, nasty weapons. Those gloves, they got metal sown into the fingers. Instant wolverine claws," muttered Chris, watching some of the males taking said claws off.
"Ka-Zar has gauntlets like those, though I think his blades are made of stone," said Spider-Man.
"Yeah, doesn't mean some of the tribes have metallurgy..." muttered Chris before counting again, "Aw shit, two of em are missing."
"Maybe they've gone to fetch their meal," said Spider-Man. Just then, they both felt something tapping their shoulders.
Chris glanced backwards and said, "Yeah, I guess they did."
Spider-Man turned to see the two missing pterodactyls, their glove blades on. "Why do you stalk us?" asked one of them in a deadly calm voice.
"You, uh, resemble someone we know," said Spider-Man.
"You are outsiders. I do not think you know our clan," said the other one.
"You sure? Because you happen to resemble this one guy with hypnotic eyes and a power-draining touch..." started Spider-Man.
"Oh, him," said one of the pterodactyls with a roll of his eyes.
"You know him?" said Chris.
"A human, once, who messed with things an outsider should not have," said the first one.
"Sauron was human?" asked Spider-Man with surprise, "He certainly didn't seem very pro-mammal."
"He stole from us...and he got his wish to know our way..." said the second pterodactyl with a smirk.
"Sacred idol?" asked Chris.
"That is between us and him. The human is gone..." said the first one, before the second said "And we do not like spies..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're not spies," said Chris.
"You follow us from the shadows like an Aerian spy..." said the second one darkly.
"It seemed rude to just walk in while you were having dinner," said Spider-Man.
Chris said nervously, "Not the best time for smartass remarks." as the pterodactyl warriors' eyes narrowed in unison.
"Uh, we bring you offerings?" tried Spider-Man. The pterodactyls glared at that, Chris sliding his hand to a stunner.
Spider-Man frantically searched through his pockets before pulling out some protein bars. "Huh, forgot I had them," he said.
The pterodactyls paused at that, one of them taking the bars and sniffing it, before saying something to his fellow. "That earns you a meeting with our queen," said the second one finally.
"Oh, good," said Spider-Man, hoping he wouldn't have to come up with a bigger gift for the queen.
The warriors pushed the duo out into the clearing, the singing briefly stopping as the singers turned to look. "Uh, hi there," said Spider-Man awkwardly.
There were a few giggles from the younger ones, the others talking before one snapped, "Taevo, you were sent to deal with the spies."
"They had an offering," said one of the pterodactyls that had nabbed Chris and Spider-Man.
"They are Aerian spies," snapped the angry one, standing up.
Taevo snapped "They are safe by right of offering. The queen will decide their fate."
One of the younger ones said with glee, "Maybe a curse."
"Hey, maybe we'll get out of this with only shrunken heads," said Chris dryly.
"But they don't have to remove our heads to... oh," said Spider-Man.
Chris glared being allowed to fly in Wolf-Bat form, albeit with guards, Spider-Man being carried by another. "Ok, we need to be ready to fight when this goes wrong," he said into his com to Parker.
"Good thing I've been learning a thing or two about diplomacy from Triton," said Spider-Man.
"Triton? The fish guy who can't even pronounce 'spider' right?" asked Chris.
"Yeah, I've learned what not to do," said Spider-Man.
"Behold, mutate...Pteros," called Taevo at that, Chris squinting before the clouds cleared to show what could pass as an Incan city set into a small mountain.
"Wow, that's impressive," said Spider-Man, taking a photo with his phone.
Chris peered down to see the city was packed with these 'Pterons'. "Damn..." he muttered, Taevo leading them towards the pyramid sculpted out of the summit. "I feel like I'm in an Edward Rice Burroughs novel," said Chris.
"We do not mention his name..." said Taevo.
"So tell me about your...queen..." said Chris, getting sidetracked when he noticed a cannon installed on one tower that had a noticeable HYDRA logo on the side.
"The last attack by outsiders. Their technology has allowed us to defend our city from the Aerians," said Taevo calmly.
"Who are the Aerians?" asked Chris.
"Our enemies. They think they are entitled to our land because they have the technology of Atlantis," snapped Taevo darkly.
"You mean Attilan," said Spider-Man.
"No, Atlantis," said Taevo.
"Oh God, how did you last this long?" said Chris.
"I didn't know Atlantis has advanced technology," said Spider-Man, "But then, the only thing I know about it that tuna guy is from it."
The group landed at that, several ornamental-armored Pterons blocking the way before a lithe clearly female one walked out. "Taevo, when I received your message of Aerian spies, I did not expect mutates from the outside," she said calmly.
"It's a long, rather interesting story," said Spider-Man, "I'm not sure we can tell it all in one night."
The Pteron woman turned to look at Spider-Man. "I was not addressing you, human," she said calmly, her eyes glowing.
"We've found these outlanders spying on our camp," said Taevo.
"And their tribute?" said the woman.
"Uh, let me see what I have," said Spider-Man, looking in his pockets.
The Pteron walked forward at that, past Spider-Man before looking at an amulet around Chris's neck. "Well..." she said, pulling it loose to examine it.
"Hey, hands off," said Chris.
The Pteron raised an eye ridge at that. "Calm yourself. I am curious as to the magic on this."
"It's not very strong magic," said Chris, "It's mostly supposed to be a symbol. Of betrothal."
The woman smiled warmly at that before handing it back softly, "My congratulations then."
"Huh, I didn't know you and Chloe were engaged," said Spider-Man.
"Yeah, but now she's been carried off by the scaly, needle-nosed scavenger bird," said Chris.
The queen's smile faded. "Sauron..." she said.
"Yeah, he also kidnapped another friend of ours," said Spider-Man.
"He's more of an acquaintance to me," said Chris.
"Sauron has been...more trouble recently. Several of our numbers went vanishing...an entire town," said the queen calmly.
"That's believable," said Chris, "You haven't seen any lizard men around, have you?"
"Their clan is many leagues from our territory..." said the queen.
"Any new lizardmen, I think that would have been the proper question," said Chris.
"No..." said the queen.
"Well, we ought to be looking for our missing friends now," said Spider-Man.
"Missing? The Aerians probably took them," said the Pteron queen.
"Who the hell are the Aerians? We're kinda from out of town," said Chris in a bad mood.
"The Aerians are our old enemies," said the Pteron queen, "They think they rule the skies of the Savage Land just because their tech is more advanced than ours."
"Look...we just want who Sauron kidnapped," said Chris.
"It's not going to be that simple," said the Pteron queen, "He's built up a large army, thanks to his mind-control powers."
Spider-Man looked around before saying, "How do you know he's not mind-controlling your people?" The Pterons gave Spider-Man an annoyed look. "It's a legitimate question," said Spider-Man, "How can we tell when anyone's being mind-controlled?"
"You dare insult us?" snapped one of the guards, his claw going to a blade.
"Spider-Man, stop antagonizing the natives," said Chris.
"Yes, man of spiders. Antagonize me at your peril," said the queen calmly.
"Look, I'm not trying to insult anyone," said Spider-Man, "I mean, suppose I meet two Aerians, one has been mind-controlled, one hasn't. How would I be able to tell which is which and would that apply to everyone?"
"Aerians have wanted our destruction for centuries..." said Taevo calmly.
"That's not answering the question," said Spider-Man.
"Sauron's mind control stinks. We would know his victims from the smell," said the queen sagely.
"Ok, but what about us with a less-sensitive nose?" asked Spider-Man.
"Speak for yourself," said Chris, "My wolf nose was sharp enough as it was. Mixing me with vampire bat makes it almost unbearable at times. I think I can even feel heat with it."
"You will be safe in this city. I am...satisfied you are not spies for our enemies," said the queen at that.
"That's great. We are honored guests, right?" asked Spider-Man.
"Yes, you are...for the time being." said the queen calmly, looking at Chris. Chris felt rather uneasy under the queen's gaze. There was something about her that was creeping him out.
"Taevo will show you to your quarters. He was once an outsider. He will be best as your guide," said the queen.
"That's...nice..." said Spider-Man in a slightly worried tone.
The queen walked off, Taevo glaring. "You will come. The Savage Land has become more dangerous. The weather acts strange," he said, gesturing to follow.
"Strange how?" asked Spider-Man, glancing at the sky.
"Three of our warriors were frozen in seconds when the snow outside the land came," said Taevo.
"I thought dinosaurs and pterosaurs were warm-blooded," said Spider-Man.
"It's Antarctica out there," said Chris, "Unless you have a thick coat of blubber, you'll be frozen too."
"Yes, flash freezing is fatal to any living creature," said Taevo darkly.
"Depends on the species," said Chris, "But that's not important here."
"She said you were an outsider?" said Spider-Man before both of them shuddered as Taevo nodded.
"I once followed the Hydra in my old life."
"That explains the cannon," said Spider-Man.
"I do not miss my old life..." said Taevo, a little defensively, the trio arriving at a rather well set up room, luxurious furniture inside.
"This is rather nice," said Chris, "Does she always entertain guests this way?"
"Not usually. Outsiders usually join us for the crime of spying...and I am not convinced you are not spies. Only one human can be trusted and he has a Smilodon brother," said Taevo darkly.
"Ka-Zar, I know him," said Spider-Man, "We've trained together. We were actually trying to find him earlier."
"I hope for your sake that is true," said Taevo darkly.
Cydrael05/21/2018
"We shouldn't stay too long," said Chris, "We've got a lot of things to do."
"It's not safe to be out at night," said Taevo.
"I'm part bat. I think I can operate in the dark," said Chris.
"I mean the city. The queen did not say as such but many of our people are vanishing," said Taevo darkly, pausing to look over the window, "I know that the demon is responsible but the queen refuses to even suggest a rescue party."
"What is she suggesting?" asked Spider-Man.
"That we concentrate our efforts on preparing for the nest Aerian attack," said Taevo. Taevo paused before saying to Spider-Man, "You do not trust me."
"There aren't many trustful people in HYDRA," said Spider-Man.
"That was my old life. I know of it but that outsider no longer exists. Though I wonder...did we win the second great war?" said Taevo calmly.
"The Allies won that war," said Chris, "But you shouldn't have lived that long. I mean, I don't know the average lifespan of a dinosaur..."
"Pterosaur," said Spider-Man.
"Whichever. Neither should have lived that long," said Chris.
Taevo raised an eye ridge. "From what I know, this entire area is 'impossible'," he said.
Chris paused before saying, "Point taken."
"The Aerians aren't going to attack soon, right?" asked Spider-Man.
"They shouldn't, but lately they've been aggressive," said Taevo, "And my queen's answers always seem 'prepare for Aerian attack'. She should be-"
"Trying to settle this peacefully?" asked Spider-Man.
Taevo snorted and said, "More proactive. All we've been doing is waiting for them to attack and fend them off. We should be taking the battles to them. But then, we've less warriors now."
Chris nodded before pulling Spider-Man out of earshot of Taevo. "We got a redneck clan situation..." he muttered.
"You mean Hatfields and McCoys?" asked Spider-Man.
"Exactly. We'd have better luck turning off Earth's gravity then sorting this little feud out. We'd need a peacekeeper division," said Chris.
"I'm sure we can sort this out," said Spider-Man.
"Kid, blood feuds aren't something that can be solved by everyone sitting down at the table and some newcomer giving an inspiring speech that'll make them see the error of their ways. It takes a lot more diplomatic work than that. You're not going to get them to accept peace in one night," said Chris.
"The Pterons and Aerians have been at war since...forever," said Taevo.
"Right. I doubt anyone even remembers why they've started fighting in the first place. And no, asking them 'what are you fighting for' isn't the answer. Too much bad blood and pride to make them consider putting down arms," said Chris.
"The Aerians want our destruction or subjugation," said Taevo calmly.
"And the Aerians will doubtlessly say the same thing about the Pterons," said Chris, "There's nothing we can do right now to establish peace. What we need to focus on is finding the others and rescuing Chloe and Dr. Connors."
"We can't just leave them to fight like this," said Spider-Man.
Chris said, "Sometimes things are too broken."
"Surely everyone's getting tired of the war by now," said Spider-Man, "Has anyone tried talking with the other side?"
"The queen has talked about such things until last year," said Taevo.
"What happened?" asked Spider-Man, expecting something tragic. "Nothing. She just dropped all those thoughts and focused on preparing for attacks," said Taevo.
Chris paused at that. "Ok, that is a little weird. Nothing happened to make her drop it?"
"Anything at all?" asked Spider-Man, "Did the Aerians attack during a particular event? Did a loved one pass away?"
"No...now you say it, nothing occurred," said Taevo in confusion.
"And what does Sauron's brainwashing smell like?" asked Spider-Man.
"It...stinks," said Taevo a little lamely.
"And has your queen been wearing any perfumes or anything like that?" asked Spider-Man.
"It is not a physical smell, more a stink on one's mind. I am merely a soldier. I know not how to look for it," said Taevo.
"So Sauron could have mind-whammied the queen and no one would notice," said Chris flatly.
"He would not get past the royal guard," snapped Taevo.
"Unless he hypnotized the royal guard too," said Chris pointedly.
"Hah...impossible. He cannot control all of them. They are worth a hundred of him," laughed Taevo.
"He doesn't have to," said Spider-Man, "I'm no hypnotist, but I would think all he would have to do is get past enough of them to get to the queen and put her under his spell. Then he could leave and release his control on the guards and they'd never even know he was there."
Taevo raised an eye ridge, "You speak with the air of too much experience for one so young."
"I've dealt with more than a few hypnotists and brainwashers," said Spider-Man.
"And you can prove that our queen has been compromised? You must be sure," said Taevo.
"If she is under Sauron's control, I'm pretty sure she'll give herself away. Mostly by having us seized on trumped-up charges for something we didn't do," said Chris.
"Sauron and my queen are smarter than that," said Taevo, before there was a knock at the door.
"Spidey, is it trouble?" asked Chris.
Taevo opened the door to see one of the queen's servants. "Her majesty wishes the presence of him," she said pointing at Chris.
"You're getting pretty popular," said Spider-Man.
"It's the arm-wings," said Chris, "Probably the only attractive feature to them. Everything else is likely too mammalian for their taste."
"She was very insistent," said the servant nervously.
"Of course she is," said Chris in an annoyed tone.
"You had best go to her. She is not one to be kept waiting," said Taevo.
"Fine," said Chris before turning to Spider-Man and saying quietly, "I can count on you to do a rescue mission in case things get ugly, right?" Spider-Man nodded at that, Taevo rolling his eyes. Chris turned to the servant and said, "Ok, let's see the queen."
Spider-Man, however, decided to follow. Something about this seemed off. The Pterons, hospitable they may have seemed, didn't seem the sort to have a queen who randomly let newcomers stay at her palace...or suddenly randomly decide to prepare for war.
There was one bonus, the palace was clearly designed with easy access from the air in mind, meaning spider-man was able to follow Chris from the outside. He was all prepared to sneak past some guards, only to find there were none.
"Hmm, no guards. This would explain how Sauron would have been able to get so close to the queen," said Spider-Man. He swung over and peered down just as Chris was let into the room, the queen beside him.
"It must be a lonely life, being a bounty hunter," said the queen calmly.
"That's not what I would call myself," said Chris.
"You hunt lawbreakers for gold," said the queen smugly.
"Not nearly as often as you would think," said Chris is a slightly annoyed tone.
"My apologies," said the queen with a slight bow of her head, her eyes glowing golden.
"It's nothing to worry about," said Chris, "But I'm pretty sure you didn't invite me here to talk about it."
"I wanted to meet you in person..." said the queen, looking him in the eyes.
"You already did," said Chris with annoyance.
"Oh, please calm down," said the queen calmly, her voice echoing, Chris finding it hard to look away. "I think you need to relax," said the queen.
"Yeah...need to...relax..." muttered Chris, sounding drunk, his eyes getting a similar golden glow.
"Now, wouldn't you want to be a Pteron? I'm sure you'll make a fine king," said the queen.
"Thanks for the offer, but he's spoken for." The queen turned around only to get a face full of webbing. She snarled, trying to get the webbing off as Spider-Man swung in, grabbing Chris and swinging back out.
Chris blinked, the glow disappearing. "What just happened?" he asked.
"I don't think Sauron's hypno eyes are exclusive to him," said Spider-Man.
Chris shuddered. "I...think we need to go," he said weakly.
"Yeah, pretty sure we've outstayed our welcome," said Spider-Man.
Taevo was waiting for them at that. "What in the stars did you idiots do? The queen's told the guard to arrest you on sight," he snapped.
"I think she was the one who broke hospitality first," said Chris, "Considering she just tried to mind-control me."
Taevo's eyes narrowed. "You lie. What you claim is impossible," she snapped.
"Her eyes were glowing gold and everything," said Spider-Man, "I put webbing in them before she could do any real damage."
"Preposterous," said Taevo, "Only that leech, Sauron, has that power."
"Uh, just a moment, Sauron is basically a living vampire, right?" asked Spider-Man.
"I wouldn't use that phrase around Matt," said Chris.
"But vampirism is contagious, isn't it?" asked Spider-Man.
"Our queen? An energy vampire? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," scoffed Taevo.
"I've seen weirder. Been weirder too," said Chris thoughtfully, adding, "Of course, Matt left the solarite cannon at home."
"I don't think she's that kind of vampire," said Spider-Man, "But if Sauron did turn her, that might explain where the missing Pterons have gone."
Taevo glared before saying, "You cannot stay here. Follow me."
"Great, more flapping," said Chris flatly.
"I will guide you both to the edge of our territory. Then you are on your own," said Taevo irritably, grabbing Chris.
"Hope there's a good place to sleep there," grumbled Chris.
"How much further?" grumbled Chris, the trio heading across a grassy plain.
Taevo snarled to himself. "If you ask that once more…" he snapped, eye twitching.
"You Pterons have a lot of territory to cover," commented Spider-Man.
"We are one of the larger clans in the Savage Land," said Taevo proudly.
"Not an advantage in this case," said Spider-Man.
Taevo paused, taking a map out of his tunic, checking it. "Hmm...according to this we should already be in those damn birds' territory," he said, before blinking, an arrow sticking into the map, before he said calmly, "Oooookay…" He looked up to see a trio of armored men with bird wings above.
"The Aerians, I assume?" asked Chris.
"Drop your weapons!" snapped one of them, aiming.
"I have no weapons, you birdbrains," said Taevo scathingly, Spider-Man webbing his beak shut.
"What my friend means to say is that he was just escorting us after we got lost, right Chris?" he said quickly.
"Right. There are no road signs around here," said Chris, "In fact, there are no roads at all."
"Pteron spies..." said another one icily, the trio landing, "Come with us."
"I hope it's better than what we got in Pteros," said Spider-Man.
Sadly for the trio, their new room wasn't as nice, being a literal cage instead of a gilded one. "You had to jinx it," said Chris icily.
"Well, at least they're honest about how much they dislike us," said Spider-Man.
"I want to be tried separately," said Chris darkly.
"I should have stayed in Pteros," grumbled Taevo.
"And be next on the vampire queen's menu?" asked Spider-Man.
"Shut up in there. How are you working together? How do you function?!" snapped the guard, his eye twitching.
"Ah, go lay an egg," said Chris.
"How dare you? I'll-" began the guard, before two more walked down the stairs to the cell.
"Nero, enough. Lord M'Dom wishes to speak to them," snapped one of them.
"Well, that's progress," said Spider-Man.
"Yes...you could think of it like that," said the guard.
A white-feathered Aerian, a golden sword at his belt was looking at a map when the trio were brought in. "These are the spies?" he asked, not looking up.
"We're not spies," said Spider-Man.
"That's precisely what a spy would say," said the Aerian.
"If I may, they're not spies. They're just idiot outsiders," said Taevo calmly, looking at them. "I liked Chris's idea to be tried separately," he said icily.
"Why should we trust the word of a Pteron?" asked the Aerian.
"Because, really, do these two look like spies? A half-bat mutate and a human in a bright red and blue suit," said Taevo a little scathingly.
"I'm part werewolf, you know," snapped Chris.
"Oh, and whatever that is too," said Taevo.
The Aerian glared. "40 of my people vanished close to your lands. And with the rumors that your queen is manifesting the hated Sauron's abilities too..." he said angrily.
"Rumors that I fear could be founded," said Spider-Man, "Pterons have been disappearing too."
"Hmm...and what proof do you have?" the Aerian asked calmly.
Chris said, "She tried to mind whammy me and suck me dry."
"And/or make him into a Pteron," said Spider-Man, "It was a bit hard to tell."
"And who are you?" asked the Aerian.
"I'm Spider-Man. Maybe you know Ka-Zar," said Spider-Man.
"All of my people know Ka-Zar. He is a hero among my people," said the Aerian, sounding offended.
"Well, he's a good friend of mine," said Spider-Man, "We've trained together at SHIELD. He can vouch for me."
"If we knew where he was. He was last seen on the other end of the Savage Land," said the Aerian calmly.
"Just how big is this place?" asked Chris.
"The Savage Land is quite vast. It would take days for one to travel from one end to the other," said the Aerian calmly, shutting the door out of the room.
"Listen, your majesty or lordship or whatever your people call you," started Chris.
"Oh, we do not rely on an aristocracy," said the Aerian offhandedly, adding, "Just M'dom will do."
"Ok...M'dom, we think Sauron's taken over the Pteron queen," said Chris carefully.
"I knew it was only a matter of time before that happened," said M'dom, "How does that human phrase go? Ah, yes. What goes around, comes around."
"Our queen is nothing like that monster," snapped Taevo angrily.
"At least until Sauron gave her a taste for life energy," said Chris dryly.
"Enough, she has clearly had her mind clouded. She would never think of doing such a thing," snapped Taevo angrily.
"That would be more concerning," said M'dom, "From what I've heard, Sauron's particular form of vampirism is unique to himself. I theorize he may have latent mutant genes that were activated by his transformation. Such a thing shouldn't be easily transferable."
"Wait...how would you know that?" asked Chris suspiciously.
"I've been studying the various superpowered beings who live in this land and I try to make as many observations on superpowered visitors as I can as well," said M'dom, "Call it a hobby."
"Ok...weird hobby but I can't really talk," muttered Chris.
The door opened at that. "Sir, I must prote...what are you doing? Pterons are dangerous," snapped a red-crested Aerian, stomping in and backing up when he saw Taevo.
"This one is securely contained. In any case, this is more about information transfer," said M'dom.
"My lord, everyone knows that Pterons and their allies lie," snarled the Aerian, Chris grinning. It was rare he met someone he could truly not feel guilty about annoying.
"Sometimes hearing the lies helps one learn the truth," said M'Dom, "In any case, until the next election, I am still leader. And that kind of talk makes it unlikely for you to win." The Aerian glared and stomped off, leaving a small device behind as M'dom continued "So...you say your queen changed suddenly..."
"She was considering brokering peace with you," said Taevo, his tone having an artificial neutrality to it, "But then she became more introverted, more concerned about preparing for attacks and yet not planning to attack herself."
"Unusual, I know the queen from the negotiations. It is not like her to change so suddenly," said M'dom to himself, the device making a click and starting to open out like a spiny flower.
"Uh, that's not a solar power collector, is it?" asked Spider-Man.
M'dom turned to look at it in surprise. "I've never seen anything like this," he muttered, walking towards it as a yellow glow began to emit, yellow rings shooting up in a rhythm.
"I wouldn't get too close," said Spider-Man, "In fact, I wouldn't stand in front of it at all."
A glowing ball began to rise into the rings at that, M'dom's eyes widening. "Out! we must go!" he snapped.
"We're in a cage, Einstein," said Chris dryly.
M'dom ignored him, taking a crystal out of his robes and passing it over a rune next to the door, the rune flashing red. "He's locked us in," he said in shock, before hammering on the door, a rising whine heard from the device,
"Get down!" yelled Spider-Man, shooting a web blast at the device.
The orb flickered for a second before a burst of energy shot out, passing through M'dom's face before he could duck.
"Well, it didn't vaporize him," said Taevo, "So we can't be blamed for assassinating him."
The device itself closed, like nothing had happened as the three ran up, Chris picking it up. "Man, this thing's advanced. Way beyond NSC tech," he muttered.
"Alien?" asked Spider-Man.
"Yeah..." muttered Chris, before a groan got their attention, turning to see M'dom pulling himself up.
"He doesn't look too bad, considering," said Spider-Man.
M'dom's eyes shot open at that, the same color as Sauron's...and the Queen's. "How much you wanna bet your boss got a little disk in her room?" said Chris nervously to Taevo.
"Ok, we'll just have to keep him from sucking us dry and figuring out how he was infected," said Spider-Man.
M'dom smirked at that before calling, "GUARDS!"
Three webshots and M'dom was glued to the wall and gagged. "Ok, now what do we do with him before the guards get here?" asked Spider-Man.
Chris looked down at his wrist, a beeping inhibitor cuff which was all between him and him being the batfink in mind and body a day later. "I got a baaaad idea," he said, typing in the unlock code.
"How bad is it?" asked Spider-Man.
"Patch job bad," said Chris. He clicked it off without hesitation. "24 hours, then you web me up as tight as possible," he said to Spider-Man and Taevo, walking towards the struggling M'dom and clicking it on.
"What's that supposed to do?" asked Taevo.
"It inhibits brainwashing and mutations. Broad spectrum inhibitor," said Chris.
"And you couldn't have given it to my queen why?" snapped Taevo.
"First off, she was going to brainwash me and/or transform me," said Chris, "And no offense, but I do not want to be a pterosaur for life. And secondly, I didn't have time to think of it. And it's a stopgap measure anyway. These things need recharging."
M'dom groaned again. "My head..." he muttered, before noticing the inhibitor and looking at Chris. "Why am I webbed to the wall?" asked M'dom.
"You were about to try and drain our lifeforce." said Taevo calmly.
"What?" asked M'dom.
"Yeah, your assistant left this gift from Sauron," said Spider-Man, "And I mean 'gift' in the old Germanic 'poison' meaning."
M'dom's eyes narrowed as two guards smashed the door open. "Halt, these three saved my life. Find Governor Zeiro...NOW!" said M'dom. The guards exchanged confused looks before heading out. "I probably should have ordered them to get me down first," said M'dom.
Chris pulled out an energy blade and made a few slashes, the webbing slowly sliding loose. "Sauron's been playing you both. Why have two strong enemies when you can make them fight each other?" he said darkly.
"And keep each other busy while he's getting ready to take over the world," said Spider-Man.
"Yeah...and with the time dilation, by the time the NSC turn up to confiscate...whatever that is, it'd be way too late," said Chris.
M'dom examined the inhibitor and said, "This tech seems basic enough. We could produce more of it."
"Then I'd make more, alot more. And make sure to do it slow, NSC tech is booby trapped against reproduction by local civs," Chris warned.
"I see," said M'dom.
Chris glared "But I wanna talk to this Zeiro first."
Zeiro was smirking as the guards let the human in. "I will not betray my master..." he said smugly.
"Too bad we already know who that master is," said Spider-Man.
"So you should. Soon you'll bow before him," sneered Zeiro.
Chris said, "Kid, take a walk. I need to talk to this smegger alone."
Spider-Man walked out of the room as quickly as he could. "You think I'm going to be scared of a winged mutt?" sneered Zeiro.
Chris sighed. "I don't need this to scare you. I can do soooo many things that you'll beg to tell me everything you know," he said, pulling out a tape recorder.
"What are you going to do? Read bad poetry to me?" asked Zeiro.
"No. You see, my commander...he's unique. He's not just tone-deaf. He's somewhere…beyond tone-deaf, into the valley of audible pain beyond. The doc on the ship had to replace someone eardrums once," said Chris conversationally.
"That's a tall tale if I've ever heard one," said Zeiro.
Chris raised an eyebrow, before sealing his helmet and playing a few seconds, seeing in the silence. Zeiro's feathers stand on end like he'd been static shocked before turning it off and opening his helmet. "You were saying?" he said smugly
"I...I can take it..." said Zeiro weakly.
"Good, this tape's 45 minutes long," said Chris, resealing his helmet and hitting play...and then putting the tape recorder on the table in front of Zeiro, just out of reach.
Pretty soon, Zeiro was trying to reach with the tape recorder, with increasing desperation. "This can end any time...you just need to tell me what I want," said Chris happily.
Chris watched Zeiro screaming in anguish, all silent to him. Eventually, it occurred to him he won't be able to hear Zeiro's answer. He clicked the recorder off and opened his helmet. "Ready to talk?" he asked.
"MAKE IT STOP!" yelled Zeiro.
"I did," said Chris.
"WHAT?" yelled Zeiro.
Chris winced before writing 'You won't be deaf forever'. Chris then wrote down, 'Start talking or you'll be hearing it again when your hearing comes back'.
Zeiro gulped before saying, "Lord Sauron has some new device. He used it to corrupt the Pteron Queen. He'll control half the Savage Land before the rest of the council even realizes. I'd prefer to not be a meal."
"The same device you tried to use on M'dom?" asked Chris, writing that down as well.
Zeiro nodded. "It was his new bride's idea to turn M'dom. It seems it didn't work," he said, wincing as his ears popped and his hearing returned.
"What new bride?" demanded Chris.
"I do not know her name..." said Zeiro, before gagging as Chris picked him up by the throat.
"I asked you a question." snarled Chris
"She is...new to the Savage Land..." gasped Zeiro.
Chris's eyes narrowed. It didn't take much to add things up and as such he began squeezing, just as Spider-Man and Taevo came in.
"Chris, did you get any-" started Spider-Man before noticing Chris was about to snap Zeiro's neck. "Chris, stop!" yelled Spider-Man.
Chris just growled as Zeiro hit his arm weakly, before Taevo and Spider-Man pulled him off. "You're not going to get anything if you kill him," said Spider-Man.
"I'll get satisfaction. Sauron's turned my girlfriend and if I can't get Sauron for it, I'll settle for his underling," snarled Chris.
"Everything Sauron's done can be undone," said Taevo.
"Can you say that for certain?" snapped Chris.
"I've seen a lot of people come back from the brink. Or beyond it," said Spider-Man.
"Can you say that for certain? CAN YOU?" snarled Chris.
"Yes. I know someone whose will was supposed to have been erased, but he found a way to help me," said Spider-Man.
Chris glared at Zeiro. "You are so lucky..." he growled. Chris glared once more before he said "Urgh...all we can do is regroup with the others. I need an inhibitor soon," he snarled, before his wrist comp beeped with an incoming call. Chris answered his comm and snapped, "What is it?"
"Is this Captain Anderson?" asked a voice on the other end.
"Who is this?" snapped Chris.
The voice chuckled, "Dr Karina, E.G.I.S. I believe I have some people here from your team..."
Chris growled and said, "I don't have time for threats..."
"This isn't a threat," said Dr. Karina, "Your team has been helpful with a project."
"You'd better not have-" began Chris before Dr. Karina snapped "Can I speak to someone who isn't paranoid?"
"May I?" asked Spider-Man, taking the comm off of Chris, "Hello, this is your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
"Obviously you're not from here as this is not a friendly neighborhood," said Dr. Karina dryly. There was a pause before Dr Karina said, "I apologize. I have a friend of yours here. I'm sending coordinates. I believe I can help you..."
Sauron glared, walking through his palace. "She did what?" he snapped to an underling who flinched.
"Your, er, bride has commandeered the lab," said the underling.
"And what has she done in there...and why those aliens not stop her?" snapped Sauron.
The underling whimpered, "They let her in."
Sauron snarled. He had been hoping his bride would have ambition, but not this much. He smacked the underling aside before slamming open the door.
A female, brown-skinned Pteron was at one of the consoles, wearing a skimpy robe. "Sauron, dear, you're just in time," she said, not turning away from her work.
"I appreciate your initiative, but you should discuss your plans with me before working on them," growled Sauron as he walked towards her.
"There was no time. I saw an opportunity so I took it," said the Pteron, in Chloe's voice.
"No time? What is the big rush?" demanded Sauron.
"Why have the Pterons attack the Aerians under your control when you can control the Aerians as well?" said Chloe calmly.
"Because I need them occupied and not interfering with my plans," said Sauron.
"Oh, you worry too much," said Chloe, turning to look at him with a smile.
"I worry plenty enough," said Sauron, "There are too many in the Savage Land who do not accept my rule. It's easy to command my fellow dinosaurs, but the tribes are more difficult."
"Darling, we aren't dinosaurs," said Chloe calmly.
"Dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, we should be the masters of the world, not apes who were lucky enough to avoid extinction," snapped Sauron.
"No argument there. But wouldn't it be easier to turn them into us then fight them? They have alot more weapons," said Chloe.
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Birds evolved from us," she pointed out, only to be ignored.
"The Aerians could have shared their tech, but did they? They're not to be trusted. They're just mammals with wings as far as I'm concerned," snapped Sauron.
"Which is why I am making these disks. They'll devolve them into us...without a single loss," said Chloe, picking up one of the devolver disks.
"I did not ask you for another plan. We are still doing mine," snapped Sauron.
"But my love..." began Chloe only for Sauron to slap the disk out her claws.
"I said we are sticking with my plan..." snarled Sauron, his eyes glowing.
"This could improve your plan," said Chloe.
"Did I say my plan needed improving?" snapped Sauron.
Chloe glared before saying "No, but-"
Only for Sauron to snap, "Then we stick to my plan..." before he smiled "Don't worry. There's still Dr. Connors' assistant to play with."
"Now that you mentioned him..." said Chloe.
"Consider it a present, my love," said Sauron.
"I hope you don't mind that I've already opened my gift," said Chloe.
Sauron paused before saying, "What did you do?"
Chloe smirked, "You don't think I didn't test my little toys first..."
Sauron, despite himself, smirked as well. "So, what did you turn him into?" asked Sauron.
"Well, considering his surname was Stegron..." said Chloe dryly.
Sauron paused, before starting to laugh, Chloe joining him, their chilling laughter echoing through the palace...
There's another chapter. This one goes a little off the beaten path in that it features some characters from the comics most people wouldn't likely know about. But the Aerians and Pterons are characters from the Ka-Zar comics. The next chapter may go even further away from usual Savage Land stuff. It'll be up tomorrow so keep an eye out for it. Please review.
